Nicholas J. Vita

VITA, Nicholas J. Nicholas J. Vita, 65, of Bristol, beloved husband of Barbara (Cunningham) Vita, died unexpectedly on Saturday (July 12, 2008) at the Hospital of Central Connecticut at New Britain General. He was born April 2, 1943 in Philadelphia, PA, son of the late Nicholas and Esther (Frascone) Vita. He was a graduate of St. Thomas Moore High School in Philadelphia, Class of 1961. He served five years with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was stationed on the USS Taconic. Nick was employed at Smith Gates Adirondack Wire/Cable for ten years, was the owner of Vita's Italian Market and Deli for 25 years and has been employed at Papas Dodge for the past two years. He was one of Bristol's finest entrepreneurs who helped many non-profit organizations in the central Connecticut area. He was a member of the Ellington Masonic Lodge and coached little league for many years. He also loved fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. Besides his wife, Barbara, he is survived by his four children, Nicholas S. Vita and his wife, Karen, Anna C. Vita, Michael F. Vita and his wife, Diane, and Tanya K. Duffy and her husband, Michael; his two step-children, Peter Cunningham and Kyle Tegler; his eight grandchildren, Kyle, Tiffany, Nicholas and Joey Vita, Stephanie, Madison, and Alex Vita and Conner Duffy; his sister, Lucille Vita; and his two nieces, Tracy Trainer and Diana Yeager. He was predeceased by his brother, Joseph Vita. A memorial Mass will be held on Friday, July 18, 2008, at 10 a.m. at St. Gregory Church, Bristol, followed by military honors at the church. Calling hours will be held at the O'Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Ave., Forestville, on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen, 19 Stearns St., Bristol, CT 06010. www. obrien-funeralhome.com